The idea is to free up associates, so they can spend more time serving customers.

Marty, GIANT's newest employee(Photo: Submitted)

For the last year, Giant has been piloting Marty and the in-store robotic program at its Harrisburg and Carlisle locations. The robot is the result of a partnership between Ahold Delhaize USA services company Retail Business Services, Giant, and Jabil subsidiary Badger Technologies.

“Bringing robotics and A.I. from a research lab to the sales floor has been a very exciting journey, and we were thrilled by the customer response in our pilot stores,” said Nicholas Bertram, president, Giant Food Stores. “Our associates have worked hard to bring this innovation to life with amazing partners.”

Marty is expected to be serving customers in all locations by mid-2019, according to the news release.

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The 'Loomo,' seen here in the York City Police Department, is a two-wheeled robot that York Exponential believes could help city police in the future. Company CEO John McElligott gave a demonstration to Officer Derek Hartman and others on Thursday. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

Using two cameras and a depth-censor, the 'Loomo' robot is able to use both 2D and 3D imaging, along with facial recognition. The company that built and designed the two-wheeled robot, York Exponential, demonstrated its ability at York City Police Department on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

During a demonstration of the 'Loomo' Ñ a two-wheeled robot Ñ officer Derek Hartman, right, listens to York Exponential CEO explain features of the robot, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

Some of the robot's features include two cameras, including a depth censor for 3DÊfacial recognition, autonomous following and some GPS capabilities. While in the early stages still, York Exponential CEO John McElligott said that the hope is the 'Loomo' will be able to recognize signs of a heart attack or a fight and be able to alert the right emergency responder. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

York Exponential CEO John McElligott, left, and York City Police Officer Derek Hartman walk toward Cherry Lane while the 'Loomo' follows behind. The two were trying out the robot, which could be used to help in city policing. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

The 'Loomo' robot stands at attention in front of York City police officer Derek Hartman, left, and York Exponential CEO John McElligott in Central Market, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. McElligott believes the robot can be a valuable asset to the police department in the future. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record